Help me pick a dress for a black tie event.....(with a question about one designer)

I want something that's professional enough to wear for a black tie event with people that I mostly know through my work. They know that I have my whimsical girlish side and I don't want to look like I'm attending a funeral but I won't go all out sexy. I'm 5 ft 4 with a petite frame but I am right there in between the regular sizes and the plus sizes. Seriously, I never know what department will have the right clothes for me. So, black tie affair, possibly plus size, possibly not. Worst feature is my belly (no, not pregnant just out of shape). I have some time to exercise and lose a few lbs. and I would love to do so but I am not unrealistic. Oh, I don't want to break the bank because there will be more black tie events with the same people.

I have a gorgeous dress from a few years ago from Carmen Marc Valvo and I always said I'd buy his stuff again. Are his dresses easy to find? Are they usually flattering? Expensive? The one I have was from Off Fifth but even there it was a bit expensive.

Show me some dresses!!!!!!!! Even some shoes (I'm not a high heels person).

Message edited 3/7/2009 11:53:11 PM.

Re: Help me pick a dress for a black tie event.....(with a question about one designer)

I saw this on Nordstrom's website... It's gorgeous!!


LINK

Re: Help me pick a dress for a black tie event.....(with a question about one designer)

I loooove carmen marc volvo and yes his dresses tend to be pricy, You can def find them at saks off and obviously regular saks...I also love marchesa, you can do a search online, but they are also really I'm a glutton for evening gowns....

Re: Help me pick a dress for a black tie event.....(with a question about one designer)

Re: Help me pick a dress for a black tie event.....(with a question about one designer)

Re: Help me pick a dress for a black tie event.....(with a question about one designer)

The dress posted is beautiful. Also, on Nordstrom's site you can take a look at Calvin Klein's matte jersey gowns. There are quite a few classic styles, and I find that fabric to be extremely forgiving and ultra flattering.

Carmen Marc Valvo gowns are gorgeous, but they can run well over $500, to close to $1k or more.

Laundry by Shelli Segal is another line of dresses that I've found to fit really well, and I actually recently purchased the long Sophia dress from JCrew, which I love. It is a very simple dress that I'll hopefully get a lot of wear out of.

Good luck, and have fun shopping!

Re: Help me pick a dress for a black tie event.....(with a question about one designer)

Oh, thanks, I love the gown that was posted but I have to see how it lays over the belly fat . I think I need to check some websites and possibly head to Off Fifth and Nordstrom. I have time but I know what usually happens--all of a sudden the date is approaching and I have nothing to wear. This time I want to plan and have time for alterations!!!! Keep the suggestions coming. Should I just buy the dress and then head to DSW or Macys for shoes? WHere else might I find shoes?

Re: Help me pick a dress for a black tie event.....(with a question about one designer)

Posted by Kerie-is-so-very

Oh, thanks, I love the gown that was posted but I have to see how it lays over the belly fat . I think I need to check some websites and possibly head to Off Fifth and Nordstrom. I have time but I know what usually happens--all of a sudden the date is approaching and I have nothing to wear. This time I want to plan and have time for alterations!!!! Keep the suggestions coming. Should I just buy the dress and then head to DSW or Macys for shoes? WHere else might I find shoes?

Message edited 3/8/2009 6:12:29 PM.

Re: Help me pick a dress for a black tie event.....(with a question about one designer)

Posted by JC621

Posted by Kerie-is-so-very

Oh, thanks, I love the gown that was posted but I have to see how it lays over the belly fat . I think I need to check some websites and possibly head to Off Fifth and Nordstrom. I have time but I know what usually happens--all of a sudden the date is approaching and I have nothing to wear. This time I want to plan and have time for alterations!!!! Keep the suggestions coming. Should I just buy the dress and then head to DSW or Macys for shoes? WHere else might I find shoes?

Also, I am not sure where you are located, but if you are nearby and have time, you may want to stop in at Debra Canavan on Main Street in Sayville. She is really great at just looking at you and knowing what dress will look good on your body.

As for shoes, believe it or not I just got a pair of black satin heels at Target of all places and I got so many compliments on them you would've thought I spent a lot of $$ on them. And they were so comfy!

Re: Help me pick a dress for a black tie event.....(with a question about one designer)

Re: Help me pick a dress for a black tie event.....(with a question about one designer)

Well, I really want to go try on dresses now but I saw this on the Nordstrom website and I love it. The only problem is that the shoulder to hem measurement is 63". I am only 64" total! I know I can have it altered but sometimes the proportions are just so far off and it's not just a matter of taking off from the length. Well, I guess here is an idea of my taste. I'm not sure if I like the "slight train" for this kind of event, but I guess that can be another alteration.

Well, I could not copy and paste from Nordstrom's website. I was able to find just this small picture but I think I have to keep looking for a dress that's suited more for my height.

Message edited 3/10/2009 1:53:47 AM.

Re: Help me pick a dress for a black tie event.....(with a question about one designer)

Re: Help me pick a dress for a black tie event.....(with a question about one designer)

Message edited 3/10/2009 11:53:14 PM.